Just Got Back – Mexico City

mexico city

Name

Valerie Fortunel, Housing Coordinator

Email / Telephone Number

Valerie.fortunel@altour.com/310-954-3342

Where did you Just Get Back from?

 Mexico City, Mexico

When were you there? 

April 2017

Where did you stay? 

Hotel NH collection Mexico City Reforma

A stately contemporary hotel offering phenomenal views of Mexico City.  Recently refurbished and great location in the tourist area of the city.

Provide a 1-3 liner highlighting your experience! 

Was travelling for a wedding with another couple and was eager to experience the food, culture, and nightlife that the city had to offer. It’s a large city so hard to really make a dent in just a few days but thoroughly enjoyed my stay there!  The city is rich with history like ruins in the center of the city that you can visit, old restaurants and museums in the park. The food is fantastic and can have an amazing dinner in a little whole in the wall spot. Overall loved it and had a great time there!

Words to describe what you felt when you first arrived:

Driving into the city it doesn’t visually blow you away so was a little apprehensive at first. But after just a few hours of exploring I realized how much the city had to offer. It was a lot of fun to discover little restaurants, cafes and the people are very nice!

With whom would you recommend staying at this hotel?

I would recommend this hotel to couples, adults travelling with friends, and those travelling for business.

Tempt us: Name the most special place you discovered on this trip.

One of the most popular day trips from Mexico City is the Teotihuacan pyramids. It’s really pretty and impressive to see. Our favorite part though is that just a few minutes’ drive away from the pyramids is a restaurant called, La Gruta, where you dine in a cave. The food is top notch and service is great.

What’s the best time of year to go in your opinion?

I thought spring was a great time to go, wasn’t too hot or too cold and was sunny the whole time. I think it could be great year-around though.

Anything else to add?

Very little English spoken so even knowing a little Spanish will go a long way!

View Destination Hotels Details

Content Source

Read More

Just Got Back – Cancun

                                                                 Belmond Maroma

Judith Davison – Independent Contractor – Specialty high end FIT adventure travel.

Email / Telephone Number

Judi.davison@altour.com / 212-706-0748

Where did you Just Get Back from?

Cancun

When were you there?

February 2017

Provide a 1-3 liner highlighting your experience!

The hotel is hidden away in the edge of the jungle, which makes for a dramatic arrival. The 63-room hotel has incredibly fresh Mexican cuisine, crystal clear beaches and a spa to complete a perfect recipe for a long getaway!

Words to describe what you felt when you first arrived:

Upon entering the gates and driving through jungle an immediate feeling of tranquility rained over us.

Where did you stay?

Belmond Maroma

With whom would you recommend staying at this hotel?

The newly renovated suites and junior suites are perfectly done and are great for families with children. This is a great retreat for any client of any age who just wants a few days of warm sunshine and Mexican hospitality!

What’s the best time of year to go in your opinion?

If you live on the East Coast it is such an easy and quick escape from winter in New York! The transition from the city to the Belmond is seamless thanks to the quick flight and complimentary transfers. In the blink of an eye you will find yourself on the beach enjoying the sunshine.

Anything else to add?

The three pools on property disperse the crowds and the secluded adult pool is meant for total relaxation or swimming laps in the mostly empty pool.

The spa offers a great variety of treatments including a tasteful couples chocolate massage.

Our ocean front room had not been renovated, however it was in pristine condition. Lying in the hammock on the patio watching the sunset was one of the serene moments of the trip. I did a site inspection and saw the renovated accommodations – they were beautiful, modern, and still had the Mexican flavor and all the amenities of a 5 star property.

The hotel offers snorkel tours out to the reef, which is incredibly lively thanks to the variety of fish and fauna.

Categories

Content Source

With sales of over $2.6 billion in 2016, ALTOUR is the largest independently owned travel management company in the United States and one of the largest travel management companies globally. Serving the luxury and mid-markets, ALTOUR has 63 offices and more than 1,600 travel professionals worldwide. In addition to travel management services, ALTOUR companies include ALTOUR Air, ALTOUR Tech, ALTOUR Meetings and Incentives and the ALTOUR Global Network.

Read More

Just Got Back – Seattle

Name

Andrea Welker – Entertainment Travel Specialist, Office of Karin Lacy

Email / Telephone Number

 andrea.welker@altour.com / 661-347-1168

Where did you Just Get Back from?

 Seattle

When were you there? 

March 2017

Where did you stay?

The Four Seasons

Provide a 1-3 liner highlighting your experience! 

As a girl from the Midwest, currently soaking up the SoCal lifestyle, I was eager to experience the “Emerald City.” We took advantage of Seattle’s walkable distances to explore not only it’s urban attractions, but also the natural beauty surrounding the city.  

Words to describe what you felt when you first arrived:

Upon arrival, we were greeted by an incredible view of a snowcapped Mt. Rainer. It’s imposing size on the city’s skyline left us wide eyed and filled with excitement to begin exploring Seattle.

With whom would you recommend staying at this hotel?

The Hotel offers a quiet and soothing atmosphere perfect for couples and families with older children.  

Tempt us: Name the most special place you discovered on this trip.

After taking a ferry to Bainbridge Island, we sat on the edge of the water, listening to the water wash up on the side of the nearby boats. The mountains on the other side reflected on the surface of the water making it look as though there were two skies, one laying on top of another. The serenity of the place was almost palpable.

 What’s the best time of year to go in your opinion?

 Summer

Anything else to add?

 Eating breakfast at the Biscuit Bitch was one of the highlights of our trip. Get there early or get ready to wait in line at this great local spot.

Source Link:  Just Got Back – Seattle

Read More

Reduce flight cancellation costs - and ease traveler anxiety!

Flight disruptions are bad for business.  They cost your company thousands, or even millions, of dollars in replacement tickets, hotels and taxis.  You incur the extra expense — and get to deal with unhappy travelers! The impact to your company’s bottom-line is even larger when you factor in the cost of cancelled meetings, wasted time, and unproductive employees.

ALTOUR can now change all that.  We are offering a new tool to reduce costs for your company, keep you in control of policy, and allow employees to skip the line and rebook their cancelled flight in less than 30 seconds — on ANY airline, for FREE, with only THREE TAPS on their smartphone — all within your existing policy.

This first-of-its-kind tool is now available to all ALTOUR clients.  As a bonus, it also covers 4+ hour flight delays and missed connections.  Best of all, it is a turnkey solution for you that requires no set-up and is fully integrated with all ALTOUR reporting and Duty of Care tracking.

Contact us now to learn more, see a demo, get pricing — and start saving.

content source 

Read More

Just Got Back – Switzerland

Helen Brixey – Leisure Training Manager

Where did you Just Get Back from?

Switzerland

Email / Telephone Number

Helen.Brixey@altour.com / 812.206.5128

When were you there?

December 2016

Provide a 1-3 liner highlighting your experience!

There are few words that can describe what an amazing country Switzerland is. From the snowcapped mountains to the crystal clear lakes, Switzerland certainly has some of the most incredible scenery of any place I’ve visited. So beautiful that I could visit Switzerland every year for the rest of my life and still remain as awestruck as I was the first time.

Words to describe what you felt when you first arrived:

Being my third trip to the alpine country in less than twelve months, I was thrilled to go back! A sense of safety is always present when visiting Switzerland as it is one of the safest countries in the world. Having spent so much time there in the past year, I also felt at home. I found the rush of excitement this time as strong as my first time last year. Stepping off the train in Lucerne and breathing the fresh, clean mountain air was completely invigorating.

Where did you stay?       

Luzern – The Palace Luzern
St. Moritz – Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains
Zermatt – The Grand Hotel Zermatterhof

With whom would you recommend staying at this hotel / resort? 

Luzern – The Palace Luzern – A perfect hotel for couples, singles and families. With its fantastic location on the shore of Lake Luzern, it’s a picturesque 15 minute stroll from the heart of the city, including the famous Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument, Mt Pilatus and the KKL; Lucerne’s Performing Art Center, as well as easy access to the many boats that ply the lake, taking the traveler even farther afield.

The perfect start to the day begins with a delicious breakfast in the beautifully appointed restaurant, Les Artistes. Featuring an extensive buffet, along with cooked to order items, guests can sip their morning coffee while taking in beautiful views over the lake and surrounding mountains.
Singles, couples and families will enjoy the easy access to the Verkehrshaus (The Swiss Museum of Transport) either via a leisurely 15 to 20 minute walk along the footpath on shore of the lake, or via the tram that stops right outside the front door of the hotel.

At the end of a busy day taking in all the beauty the city has to offer, there is no better place to relax than sitting in the hotel’s lake side terrace with a glass of wine followed by a steam and sauna in the beautifully appointed spa.

Continue Read..

Read More

Just Got Back – Japan

Erica Neher – Leisure Travel Consultant
Email / Telephone Number

Erica.neher@altour.com / 516 714 0857

Where did you Just Get Back from?

Japan

When were you there?
 
March 2016

Provide a 1-3 liner highlighting your experience! 

The Japanese culture and rich history live on in perfect harmony with the modern, clean and efficient cities.

Words to describe what you felt when you first arrived:

Though the flight is long, once I stepped out of the plane a feeling of euphoria rushed through my veins. Like a kid on Christmas morning, I was ready to hit the ground running and explore this wonderful country.

Where did you stay?

Park Hotel – Tokyo – 1 night
Mandarin Oriental – Tokyo – 4 nights
Ritz-Carlton – Kyoto – 3 nights

With whom would you recommend staying at this hotel? 

Park Hotel Tokyo – The centric hotel is great for business and leisure travelers looking for a clean and reasonably priced hotel. The Tokyo Fish Market, one of the busiest markets in the world is just a mere 5 minute drive away.
Mandarin Oriental – Located in the posh shopping district of Ginza, the Mandarin Oriental is one of the best hotels in Tokyo. Its proximity to subway stations is perfect for travelers looking to wander around the city.
Ritz-Carlton Kyoto – A perfect mix between the Western and Japanese worlds, the Ritz is located on the banks of the Kamo River. Families, couples and business travelers looking to immerse themselves into the deep Japanese culture will enjoy this beautiful hotel.

Tempt us: Name the most special place you discovered on this trip:

The Tsukiji Fish Market is not to be missed when in Tokyo. The largest tuna fish auction in the world is well worth the early morning call of 3 am.
Geishas roam the crooked streets of the Gion District lined with Ryokans, traditional Japanese guest houses. Kyoto’s shrines, temples and gardens all contribute to its cultural charm and are not to be missed. A hole in the wall ramen place always hits the spot after a long day of sightseeing. Miyoshi is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious sample of the local cuisine.

What’s the best time of year to go in your opinion?

Early March through June are the best times to visit Japan. The incredible Cherry Blossom is one of nature’s most beautiful displays. Though it gets quite busy during “Sakura,” you might be able to miss the crowds by going in early spring and might even catch a Sumo match.

Anything else to add?

If exploring Asia is on your list, Japan is the perfect place to start. While some Asian cities can be intimidating for first timers, Tokyo and Kyoto are fairly easy to navigate. The people were helpful and warm and the cultural sights really captivate you to learn more.

Content Source

Read More

Just Got Back – Maine

Erica Neher – Leisure Staff

Email / Telephone Number

Erica.neher@altour.com / 516 714 0857

Where did you Just Get Back from?
Cape Neddick, Maine

When were you there?
October 2016

Provide a 1-3 liner highlighting your experience!
I was really impressed with Maine’s landscapes, history and food. Even though New York City is not too far away, the culture is entirely different.

Words to describe what you felt when you first arrived:
Flying into the Portland, Maine airport was surreal. Even though the flight from NYC was only about an hour, it seemed as though I was landing on the Irish coast. The drive up the east coast arriving at the Cliff House was absolutely stunning.

Where did you stay?
The Cliff House

With whom would you recommend staying at this resort?
The vast spaces the resort offers for meetings and events is the perfect place for a business retreat and beautiful weddings. The range of activities throughout the hotel and the pool overlooking the ocean is perfect for families.

Tempt us: Name the most special place you discovered on this trip.
Jackie Too’s was a fantastic waterfront restaurant we discovered while walking around town. The scenery around the entire town seemed like it was out of a postcard. Overall though, Maine was the place that stole my heart. The people and the way of life are so thoughtful and genuine that I came back home with a different perspective. The Cliff House really embraced that Maine mentality by sourcing everything locally and taking great care of the guests.

What’s the best time of year to go in your opinion?
The Cliff House is able to create memorable experiences year round. Whether it be surfing and hitting up Nubb’s Lobster Shack in the summer, going for a hike during the fall foliage or snow-shoe stargazing in the dead of winter, the resort’s natural surroundings and welcoming décor make it a perfect destination year round. Though it is typically more popular during the summer time, I was there during the winter months and really had a great experience.

Anything else to add?
The Cliff House uses local ingredients in all spa products, which combined with the excellent treatment, make it one of the best I have experienced thus far.

See More Picture / Content Source

Read More